Chapter 167 Two Su and One Wang
"I see." The Duchess of England nodded and said, "It's so sudden, many things are not prepared yet."
In the Song Dynasty, it was a common practice to give a large dowry when marrying off a daughter, and some families would even spend all their fortunes marrying off their daughter.
Some girls' parents even start preparing costumes for them as soon as they are born.
After you get married, except for food and drink, you won’t need to buy anything else until you die.
Preparing home furnishings also requires a lot of attention. Things that won’t break easily should be prepared early, and things that don’t last long should be prepared when a girl is about to reach the age of 15.
Although Zhang Guifen had reached the age of marriage, she had not started preparing because she had to wait a few more years before getting married due to Zhao Xing's age.
Now that it has come earlier, she was caught off guard.
"Well, there's still more than half a year before the wedding. There's no need to rush." said the Duke of England.
"It's so easy for you to talk about it now. I don't know who collected precious pearls, agates and jades to make jewelry for my daughter when she was just born." The Duchess of England rolled her eyes at her husband.
At that time, she thought that the precious agate and jade stones her husband brought back were for her, and she was so happy when she saw them.
But the husband said that it was used as a dowry for his daughter.
She wasn't jealous of her daughter, but she still felt a little disappointed.
"Look at you, why are you bringing this up?" The Duke of England blushed and said, "Go tell your daughter the news."
"I know, I'll go right away."
The Duchess of England said this and stood up and walked out.
Jingshu Pavilion is the courtyard where Zhang Guifen lives.
This name is taken from the Book of Songs "The Book of Songs·Bei Feng·Jing Nu", which means quiet and beautiful.
In fact, Jingshu was Zhang Guifen's real name. Later, because the emperor showed his intention to let Zhang Guifen marry the prince, the Duke of Yingguo changed her name.
It can't really be considered a name change. In ancient times, because the chance of children dying was high, they would be included in the family tree when they were six to ten years old, and the name included in the family tree would be the standard.
Lady Sun, the wife of the Duke of Yingguo, walked into her daughter's boudoir, and the maid standing beside her bowed and saluted.
Zhang Guifen, who was doing needlework, quickly put down her work, stood up and saluted: "Mother."
Sun pulled her daughter to sit down, looked at the half-made clothes on the side, and asked, "Is it made for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"
"Yeah." Zhang Guifen blushed and nodded.
Sun was a little jealous. Although Zhang Guifen liked martial arts and didn't like needlework, she learned all these things under her mother's guidance.
Her needlework is not bad, she just doesn't like it so she rarely does it.
Now she took the initiative to make clothes for Zhao Xing.
"It has been rumored recently that His Majesty intends to have you marry His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. You should have heard about it, right?" Sun asked.
"They are just some rumors. Why do you say these things, mother?" Zhang Guifen said a little embarrassedly.
"It is no longer a rumor now. His Majesty has issued an edict today, setting the date for your wedding with Your Highness." Sun said.
"Has it been decided?" Zhang Guifen was stunned when she heard this. Her eyes were wandering, her hands were unconsciously holding the handkerchief, and a hint of blush appeared on her cheeks.
Although I met Zhao Xing often, I felt confused and my mind went blank when I heard the wedding date was set.
"Well, March 25th after the New Year is the day you and the prince will get married." Sun patted her daughter's hand and said, "From today until the day of your wedding, you can't meet the prince, understand?"
"My daughter knows." Zhang Guifen said softly with her head down.
"There's always a day like this for a girl."
Looking at her daughter's expression, Sun thought she was reluctant to leave. She felt relieved and softly comforted her daughter.
"Mother, I'm fine." Zhang Guifen raised her head and smiled, "Even if I'm married, I can always visit you, and I will always come back to visit you."
Sun sighed when she heard this, how could it be that easy.
It was fine when they were in the Eastern Palace, but after Zhao Xing ascended the throne and his daughter became the queen, it became even more difficult to meet.
…………
"I pay my respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"
"No gift!"
Zhao Xing looked at the three people below and smiled, "Come here, please give them a seat!"
"Thank you, Your Highness!" The three of them expressed their gratitude and sat down.
Zhao Xing looked at the three of them and saw that they looked very calm. They did not show any excitement when facing him, the prince.
"He is indeed a historical figure," Zhao Xing exclaimed.
The three people in front of him are all extraordinary people, they are Su Shi, Su Zhe and Wang Shao.
There is no need to say much about the first two. Among the Eight Great Masters of Tang and Song Dynasties, this father and son account for three of them.
In terms of fame, Wang Shao is indeed not as famous as Su Shi and his brothers, but in terms of contributions to the court, even Su Shi and his brothers combined cannot compare to him.
Speaking of it, the brothers Wang Shao and Su Shi had a special fate. They took part in the imperial examination in the same year and finally passed it together.
This year, the three of them took part in the imperial examination at the same time. Su Shi ranked third, Su Zhe was lower, and Wang Shao failed to make the list.
If things had developed along the original trajectory, Wang Shao would have chosen to resign and travel to the northwest after failing the imperial examination.
During his travels in the northwest, he learned about the situation and customs of the northwest, and wrote the famous "Plan for Pacificating the Rong" and presented it to Emperor Shenzong.
After Emperor Shenzong adopted the plan, he ordered him to lead the development of Xihe River.
Under Wang Shao's management and strategy, the Hehuang area was finally conquered, and the Song Dynasty expanded its territory by more than 2,000 miles, which was also the famous Xihe Frontier Opening in Song history. Since Taizu and Taizong ended the separatist situation of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms and formed the situation of the three kingdoms of Song, Liao and Xia, the Song Dynasty has almost always been in a weak position. Not to mention expanding its territory, even its original territory was lost again and again.
In the end, they were even driven to the south to live in seclusion.
Wang Shao can be said to be the only person in Song history who expanded the territory of the Song Dynasty.
Although he is a scholar, he is both civil and military, a very rare talent.
In fact, Zhao Xing did not have any obvious prejudice against civil and military officials. Since ancient times, there were people like Wang Shao who could govern the people when they dismounted from a horse and fight when they mounted a horse. Although they were not many, there were definitely quite a few.
Because the Song Dynasty valued civil officials over military officials, civil officials led military generals, and many civil officials with military talents emerged.
However, these civil servants would be promoted after winning a battle, and basically would never have the opportunity to lead troops again.
The Song Dynasty’s army was not very strong, and this was also a big factor.
No matter how powerful the generals are, various constraints make it difficult for them to exert their strength.
After all, only a few civil servants can fight in wars, and if they win, they will be promoted and return to the court.
Most of the time, the army is led by civilian officials who know nothing about military affairs.
Zhao Xing knew very well that he wanted to change this phenomenon, after all, this was the rule set by his ancestors.
Even if he ascends the throne in the future, if he wants to change this, he will need to do it slowly.
Civil servants like Wang Shao who are both civil and military are particularly important.
Of course, the Su brothers are also very capable. Many people ignore their ability in politics because of their literary achievements.
Historically, Su Shi served as an official in many places. Wherever he went, he managed the place in an orderly manner and was deeply loved by the local people.
His ability in water control was particularly outstanding. When he was the magistrate of Hangzhou, he controlled the flood of West Lake and left behind the embankment, which later became the famous Su Causeway.
As for Su Che, his achievements were even greater. He rose from a small county magistrate to deputy prime minister.
These three people were the talents selected by Zhao Xing from the list of imperial examinations given to him by his father.
If Zhao Xing had not looked at the reference list and saw Wang Shao's name, Wang Shao would have almost been missed.
Although gold will eventually shine, waiting for it to shine is not as fast as making it shine yourself.
"I have long heard of the names of the Three Su brothers, and I have also read your articles. Unfortunately, I have never seen them in person." Zhao Xing said with a smile.
When the three members of the Su family went to Beijing to take the imperial examinations, they were quickly known in Bianliang for their talents.
The father and his two sons took part in the imperial examination at the same time, and two brothers passed, which became a good story.
Zhao Xing was ready to meet them at that time, but unfortunately at this time he received the news that their mother had passed away.
The Su brothers, who had not yet been appointed as officials, could only return to their hometown to mourn for their mother.
After the mourning period was over, the father and his two sons came to Bian Jing again, but their former fame had long since disappeared.
In addition, they missed the opportunity to be appointed as officials, so the official positions they were given were not high.
In fact, although the three of them will have good achievements in the future, they are just rookies who have just entered the officialdom.
"Your Highness, thank you for your compliment." The Su brothers said modestly.
However, Su Shi seemed to be somewhat pleased with himself, while Su Zhe was quite calm.
At first glance, it seems that Su Che is the elder brother.
"Your talents are obvious to all, so there is no need to be modest." Zhao Xing smiled and said, "I plan to appoint Zizhan as the magistrate of Taikang County and Ziyou as the magistrate of Yanjin County."
"Thank you, Your Highness. We will definitely benefit the people and live up to your trust!" the Su brothers said in unison.
Even Su Che, who was known for his calm personality, was a little excited when he heard about this appointment.
He and his brother missed the opportunity to take the imperial examination and were only given a ninth-rank official position.
According to the rules, promotions in the imperial examinations are limited to three levels.
In other words, they can only be promoted to the eighth rank at most.
The county magistrates of Kaifeng Prefecture were all of seventh rank.
"You go back and prepare. The appointment document will be issued by the Ministry of Personnel soon." Zhao Xing said.
"Yes!" The two of them bowed and walked out.
Led by the eunuchs, the two men came out of the East Palace and got on the carriage. Su Shi smiled and said, "I've often heard that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has a keen eye for talent, and it's true. Now that my brothers and I have been appointed county magistrates, it is also a great honor for our family. We should go to Guangyuntai to celebrate."
That’s right, this man who missed his deceased wife and wrote the elegy "Jiangchengzi" which has been passed down through the ages, loved to visit brothels.
Therefore, many romantic stories were left behind.
If we look at it from the perspective of later generations, many of Su Shi's behaviors would definitely make him look like a scumbag.
Not only did he love visiting brothels, he also once traded a pregnant concubine for a horse.
However, from the perspective of ancient people's values, it does not involve moral aspects.
After Su Shi finished speaking, he saw that his brother did not respond. He looked carefully and found that his brother Su Zhe was in a daze. He bumped him with his arm and said, "Ziyou, what are you thinking about?"
"Nothing." Su Zhe came back to his senses and shook his head, "I wonder what official position His Highness will give Zichun."
It turns out that the three of them are destined to be together. They are of the same year, studied in the same department of engineering, and even their names contain the character "Zi".
"Zichun's official position was higher than ours before, but he failed the imperial examination. He is probably now a county magistrate. Maybe we can even work together." Su Shi said with a smile.
(End of this chapter)